Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Oh, if you’re anything like me, you know that crispy, juicy wings are pure comfort food — and the best part is pairing those crunchy bites with a luscious coating of garlic and parmesan. This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is exactly that kind of magic. It combines the ease of the air fryer with the rich flavors of garlic butter and salty parmesan, creating wings that are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, without the mess or grease of deep frying.

What I adore about this recipe is how it’s a total game changer for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving that garlicky, cheesy goodness, these wings come together quickly and will have everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever winged it without it!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe plays a key role — from the buttery richness to the herbaceous garlic notes and the salty punch of parmesan. When selecting your wings, go for fresh if possible, and don’t skimp on the quality of your parmesan and garlic seasoning for that authentic flavor.

• Chicken Wings: Fresh wings cut into drumettes and wingettes work best for even cooking.
• Salted Butter: Divided – for coating wings and mixing with garlic later.
• Garlic and Herb Seasoning: Adds depth without needing fresh herbs every time.
• Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for vibrant, intense flavor.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: The star cheesy topping that crisps up beautifully.
• Fresh Chopped Parsley (Optional): For a pop of color and freshness at the end.
• Ranch Dressing (Optional): Because sometimes a cool dip is just what wings need.

Variations

I love playing around with this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe — it’s like a blank canvas for your favorite flavors. Sometimes I add a little red pepper flakes for heat or swap butter for olive oil for a lighter taste. You can make it your own!

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the garlic butter mix for a smoky heat that wakes up the taste buds.
• Herbaceous Twist: Sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme with the garlic and herb seasoning for a fragrant, earthy note.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a tasty dairy-free option.
• Extra Crispy: Pat wings dry and toss in a little baking powder before air frying to boost the crispiness even more.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Dry Your Wings

First off, pat those chicken wings dry with a paper towel — this little trick is crucial for getting them super crispy in the air fryer without steaming. While the air fryer heats up to 400°F, it’s also a good idea to cut your wings into drumettes and wingettes if they aren’t already separated. Dry wings mean the butter and seasoning stick better, and you’ll get that crackly skin we’re all after.

Step 2: Butter and Season

Next, melt about 2 tablespoons of your salted butter and drizzle it over the wings. Toss them gently so every piece gets coated in that buttery goodness. Then, mix your garlic and herb seasoning with sea salt and sprinkle that seasoning blend evenly over the wings. Rub it in on both sides to get flavor all the way through.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Place your wings in the air fryer basket in a single even layer — don’t crowd them or they won’t crisp properly. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 7-9 minutes. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to do 2-3 batches; patience here pays off with crispiness. Make sure the internal temperature hits at least 165°F for safe eating.

Step 4: Garlic Butter Toss

While the wings are cooking, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and mix in the minced garlic. Once the wings are done and golden, toss them in this fragrant garlic butter mixture until they’re well coated and deliciously shiny. This step takes those crispy wings to another level of yum.

Step 5: Parmesan Finish

Sprinkle a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese over the coated wings, then pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes. This short finish melts and lightly toasts the parmesan, giving you that irresistible cheesy crust everyone loves. If you want, drizzle some extra garlic butter on before serving.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish my Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley — it adds a fresh, bright contrast to the rich wings. A dusting of extra parmesan right on top never hurts either, just for good measure. These simple garnishes make the wings pop visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing these wings with crunchy celery sticks and a cool, creamy ranch dressing for dipping — it’s classic for a reason! Garlic bread or a simple green salad also work beautifully if you want to round out the meal without too much fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a game day or casual party? Serve the wings on a large wooden platter with little bowls of ranch, blue cheese, and extra garlic butter on the side. Adding a bunch of lemon wedges to squeeze over adds a zesty freshness that’s unexpected but fantastic. It makes everything feel special without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep nicely for up to 3 days. When reheating, they maintain great flavor as long as you bring back some of that garlic butter to toss them in. Just keep that in mind to avoid drying out.

Freezing

If I make extra, I spread the wings on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. That way, they don’t stick together and reheat easily. Frozen wings usually keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When reheating frozen or refrigerated wings, I pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crisp again. This method restores that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crunch much better than the microwave.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, making this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to dishes whenever I want something fuss-free but packed with tons of flavor. It strikes that perfect balance between crispy and tender, buttery and cheesy, garlicky and fresh. If you’re looking to wow your family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe will be your new best friend. So grab your air fryer and wings, and let’s get cooking – you’re in for such a treat!

Print